This show, filmed at Tokyo’s Budokan arena in 1996, turned out to be Chic’s last performance as bassist, songwriter and overall creative force Bernard Edwards passed away shortly thereafter.

The show opens with “Do That Dance” followed by special guests and Chic protégées Sister Sledge who are brought on to perform “He’s the Greatest Dancer” and their smash hit “We Are Family.” Then it’s the meat of the Chic catalog: the early hit “Dance, Dance, Dance,” “I Want Your Love,” “Good Times” and “Le Freak.” Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash enters midway through “Le Freak” to play a scorching solo; the top-hatted ax-man might seem an odd choice to appear at a Chic show, but he and Chic main man Nile Rodgers worked together many years ago on the Beverly Hills Cop III soundtrack.

The show closes with an extended version of “Chic Cheer” and the hopeful “Just One World.” As with everything touched by Rodgers and Edwards, Live at the Budokan demonstrates how music can be performed note-perfectly but not take itself so seriously that it dampens the fun. This fond look back to the zenith of the disco era also includes, as an extra, a brief spoken tribute from Rodgers to Edwards, a lifelong friend and collaborator.

Grade: A



Live at the Budokan is currently available.